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Friday, 10 February 2012

Salon industry in Asian sub continent is buzzing these days. Lot of young people are attracted towards Salons and Spa business. Luxury is the new word in Salons, they have become more than just the parlours for hair cut or makeup. Salon's today are tech savvy , they provide time to relax and offer best personal care with international products and expertise. New salons are being funded by venture capitalist and investors . Businessman see salon and Spa industry as high margin business. If u are not convinced with this idea then let me give you a number; only organized Hair straightening business in India is of more than $ 2.50 Bn ( approx. 1200 Crore) alone.

Till today, salon and spa is mainly unorganized with hundreds of individual hair dressers owning them or run by individual beauticians in neighboring areas but in recent times, we have seen organized players like Unilever's Lakme Salon, Kaya's Skin clinics and many other home grown chains. We have seen a long list of dermatologists coming up with their skin treatment clinics and few big shots opening their Spa chains in metros. Non- serious individuals who entered in the industry to make quick money will have to take first flight home if they do not meet the standards and demands for young breed of executives who are ready to spend heavily for an hour of relaxation out of their busy & hectic schedule.

Times are changing at a rapid pace in the professional salon industry. Any professional hairdresser, stylist, colourist, or salon owner that has weathered the storm in the salon industry in the last couple of years, can say one thing in certain that the industry has changed. If you want to be a successful professional living in 2012 then fully understand the trends that will have a profound impact on the industry the salon in 2012, 2013 and beyond.

- Liability comes with Brands

Initially, salons had Big Beauty companies as their partners which attracted good clientele, In 2012, salon professionals should learn that only transparent brands will enhance their image and reputation. Big beauty brands will only increase the doubt of being less trustworthy if salon has lost its trust already.
The events of the last couple of years have left people angry and distrustful. Salon clients are not immune to these feelings. They are weary, distrustful, and cautious about big business, big government, and especially big beauty. Over 85% of Americans gave corporate America a grade of F in a recent survey. Your association with “Big Beauty” product brands like L’Oreal, Redken, Wella,Schwarzkoph, Clairol, and other mega-brands will force you to defend your products for most of 2012.

So Be transparent and be fair.. this year associate with brands who bring transparency..